Recoil Spring Question

This is a discussion on Recoil Spring Question within the General Firearm Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; Ok, I have ordered a complete spring kit for my 1911 (full size) and it comes with two recoil springs. One is a 18# and ...

Recoil Spring Question

Ok, I have ordered a complete spring kit for my 1911 (full size) and it comes with two recoil springs. One is a 18# and one is a 10#. What in the devil is the 10# spring for? It is lighter than the one that comes in it which is 14, or 16# I think.

A lot of target shooters and competitors will hand load light rounds that just barely meet power requirements for their particular competition. This gives them the ligtest possible recoil and faster follow-up shots.

18 pound is pretty much standard, I seem to remember that the 1911 was originally designed with a 16 pound, but ammo "power" (or whatever) has increased over the years from the GI ball ammo.
The 10 pound is for target loads, I'm guessing. I bought a factory Colt years ago that was designed for competition and came with a 10 pound spring. That is the only time I've seen one, though.
Hopefully somebody with real 1911 knowledge will give you better information.